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| Ralph Vaughn Williams |
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Working List Choral Recordings Focusing on Modern Composers' Christmas Works
By Ray Rojas
Updated September 30, 2024
I wanted to create a working list of albums that focus on the Christmas works of modern composers. In using the word "modern," I am not referring to any musical classification that a musicologist would use. Instead, I'm focusing on post-1900 compositions.
With the exception of Leroy Anderson, Leo Sowerby, Gustav Holst, William Walton, Ralph Vaughn Williams, and Witold Lutoslawki, most of the output of the other composers listed here are from 1950 to the present. Furthermore, we are focusing on carols and short Christmas works.
What is in this list? Throughout the years, several composers have composed enough Christmas music and carols repertory to fill an entire album. It is not the amount of output that is important -- but the quality. Then, some good choir out there, releases a recording of Christmas works by that composer.
John Rutter, "Mr. Christmas," is the exception and it would be too numerous to mention all recordings that have been dedicated exclusively to his Christmas work. However, we will mention two and we hope to fill in Rutter-based albums gap in future posts. In saying that, do not worry, we will get to all of Rutter's works in a post in the future.
With exception of one, we also did not include Benjamin Britten as much of his Christmas works are larger choral pieces. As for John Tavener, I found several albums of larger choral works, but there probably needs to be a compilation of his shorter Christmas pieces, or a mix of shorter and larger.
If there is one, let us know. My dream compilation would include "The Lamb," "Annunciation," "Ex Maria Virgine," "Angels," "Two Hymns to the Mother of God," "God is With Us - A Christmas Proclamation," "Song of the Angel," "A Christmas Round," and "Thunder Entered Her."
Update Dec. 30, 2020: I found a recording by the Choir of St. John's Cambridge called "Christmas Proclamation: The Choral Music of John Tavener." I have included it below, although I think more can be compiled into another Christmas collection.
Notes: November 25, 2022. I could not help noticing that there is no Christmas carols or music collection from a female composer.
Update: Dec. 5, 2022. We added collections by Antony Pitt, John Gardiner, Alan Bullard, Brian Knowles, Daniel Powers, and our first female composer to the list -- Sasha Johnson Manning. We also add a recording from 2021 on Vaughn Williams.
Update: October 16, 2023. For some reason our listing of Leo Sowerby disappeared from this list. They may have occurred when we were reformatting. We added it back in.
Updated: Nov. 3, 2023. Added recording of Patrick Hawes Christmas music. Although "The Nativity" is the main large work on the album, it also includes many of Hawe's carols compositions and arrangement.
Updated: Nov. 26, 2023. Added a recording of Elizabeth Poston's carols and anthems by the St. Alban's Cathedral Girl's Choir and Lay Clerks.
Updated: Jan. 19, 2023. Added a recording of Werner Fabricius' Christmas music.
Updated: September 29, 2024. Added Joanna Forbes L’Estrange and Edward Nesbit albums.
We need your help!
Is there another recording out there that focuses on a particular composer. Let us know by emailing christmascarolblog@gmail.com.
Descriptions below are of the recording label or the ensemble unless otherwise indicated. I have edited some descriptions and put in paragraph breaks to make for better on-line reading.
LEROY ANDERSON
You are going to find several recordings out there of Leroy Anderson's Christmas music. The above is on Naxos and is recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra. It was released in 2008. In these recordings, you will find his instrumental pieces, but you will also find arrangments of carols and old Christmas songs.
Like I mentioned above, there are many recordings of Anderson's Christmas works. He was long associated with the Boston Pops Orchestra, so feel free to delve into the world of Leroy Anderson. It is extensive.
| 1 | A Christmas Festival |
| 2 | O, Little Town of Bethlehem |
| 3 | O Sanctissima |
| 4 | While by My Sheep |
| 5 | Bring a Torch, Jeannnette, Isabella |
| 6 | We Three Kings of Orient Are |
| 7 | Patapan |
| 8 | Away in a Manger |
| 9 | From Heaven High I Come to You |
| 10 | Wassail Song |
| 11 | Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming |
| 12 | O Come, Little Children |
| 13 | In Dulci Jubilo |
| 14 | Angels in Our Fields Abiding |
| 15 | Pastores A Belén |
| 16 | O Come, O Come, Emmanuel |
| 17 | I Saw Three Ships |
| 18 | It Came upon the Midnight Clear |
| 19 | The Coventry Carol |
| 20 | March of the Kings |
| 21 | Sleigh Ride (Mono Version) |
Disc: 2
| 1 | A Christmas Festival |
| 2 | While by My Sheep |
| 3 | In Dulci Jubilo |
| 4 | Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming |
| 5 | I Saw Three Ships |
| 6 | From Heaven High I Come to You |
| 7 | We Three Kings of Orient Are |
| 8 | March of the Kings |
| 9 | Pastores a Belén |
| 10 | It Came upon a Midnight Clear |
| 11 | O, Little Town of Bethlehem |
| 12 | Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella |
| 13 | Away in a Manger |
| 14 | Wassail Song |
| 15 | Angels in Our Fields |
| 16 | O Sanctissima |
| 17 | O Come, O Come, Emmanuel |
| 18 | O Come, Little Children |
| 19 | Coventry Carol |
| 20 | Patapan |
| 21 | Sleigh Ride (Stereo Version) |
"Alan Bullard's O Come, Emmanuel is an Advent Celebration based on
the Great O Antiphons. It is the second of three cantatas for broadly
similar forces that Bullard wrote in successive years, the first being
Wondrous Cross (2011), recorded by Selwyn College Choir (REGCD404).
O
Come Emmanuel (2012) is dedicated to Sarah MacDonald and the Chapel
Choir of Selwyn College and was first performed, in its complete form,
in a service in Selwyn College Chapel on Advent Sunday, 1st December
2013.
The remainder of this disc contains ten new Christmas carols. The
dates of the poems that Alan Bullard has chosen to set range from the
present day to the distant past, but all tell the same story, beloved of
Christians for centuries.
Selwyn College Choir, under the direction of
Sarah MacDonald, have gained increasing critical recognition in recent
years, not least for their advocacy of the works of living composers.
Their previous CD release The Eternal Ecstasy spent several weeks in the
Specialist Classical Charts and was ClassicFM Album of the Week in July
2015."
Directed by Sarah MacDonald
Timothy Parsons† and John Bachelor* Organ
O Come, Emmanuel†
1
Prelude 0:52
2
Advent Responsory (i) 1:18
3
Hymn: The advent of our God 1:47
4
O wisdom | O Sapientia 0:43
5
Where shall Wisdom be found? 2:11
6
O Lord of Lords | O Adonaï 0:45
7
Come, thou long-expected Jesus 2:34
8
O Root of Jesse | O Radix Jesse 0:49
9
There is a rose-tree 3:02
10
O Key of David | O Clavis David 0:42
11
Earth grown old 2:46
12
Hymn: Thy kingdom come! on bended knee 2:43
13
O Morning Star | O Oriens 0:34
14
Chanticleer 3:18
15
O King of the Nations | O Rex Gentium 0:20
16
Hymn: Joy to the world! 1:59
17
And they shall call his name Emmanuel 0:32
18
O Emmanuel 1:26
19
Gabriel’s Message 2:32
20
And art thou come with us to dwell? 2:59
21
Advent Responsory (ii) 1:16
22
Hymn: Lo! he comes with clouds descending 4:10
Ten Carols for Christmas
23
A baby so small, a message so great† 2:57
24
A boy is born in Bethlehem (Puer natus)† 2:24
25
And all the stars looked down 2:38
26
Hillside Carol* 3:11
27
The gracious gift 2:29
28
This night* 4:42
29
Rose of such virtue 3:05
30
Child in the manger, Lord of all 2:38
31
A star as bright as day* 2:42
32
Merrily did the shepherds blow* 4:27ALFRED BURT
This recording by the Voices of Jimmy Joyce has many of American composer Alfred S. Burt's Christmas carols. This recording was released by Primarily Acapella in 1997. Description is as follows:"Considered by some to be the finest recording of Christmas carols ever, these original compositions were written by Alfred and primary lyricists Wihla Hutson and Bates G. Burt (Alfred's father). In fact, the carols were initially sent as Christmas messages to Burt family members and friends! Artists from Nat "King" Cole to the Boston Pops Orchestra and Chorus have popularized what conductor John Williams described as "mini-masterpieces." The sixteen-voice a cappella choir directed by arranger Jimmy Joyce (who had worked with Alfred in the Alvino Rey Orchestra) is sprightly and sure footed in their performance, which was recorded in 1963. A sentimental and popular favorite."
There are several other collections Alfred Burt's carols and Christmas music. I only mention the choral recordings here.
In 2000, "The Christmas Mood" was released also by Primarily Acapella. I am assuming the recordings on this one are on the "Complete Collection," but I am unsure as the description states the recording is by the Columbia Choir:
"These are the only carols created in modern times that have obtained international acceptance, from local choirs to stars like Andy Williams, Peggy Lee, Nat "King" Cole and Frank Sinatra have recorded Burt carols. So listen to these "mini-masterpieces," beautifully performed by the Columbia Choir with occasional light accompaniment by the Ralph Carmichael Brass Ensemble and organ. "Caroling, Caroling," "The Star Carol," "Christ in the Stranger's Guise," "Come Dear Children," "Some Children See Him," "All on a Christmas Morning," "O Hearken Ye." "Jesu Parvule," "Nigh Bethlehem," "This is Christmas," "Ah, Bleak and Chill" and "We'll Dress the House." At the end of the CD is a very nice instrumental medley of the carols."
| 1 | This Is Christmas - Jimmy Joyce 16-Voic |
| 2 | Christmas Cometh Caroling |
| 3 | Ah, Bleak and Chill the Wintery Wind |
| 4 | Come, Dear Children |
| 5 | Some Children See Him |
| 6 | Sleep, Baby Mine |
| 7 | All on a Christmas Morining |
| 8 | Caroling, Caroling |
| 9 | The Star Carol |
| 10 | We'll Dress the House |
| 11 | Christ in the Stranger's Guise |
| 12 | Nigh Bethleham |
| 13 | What Are the Signs |
| 14 | Jesu Parvule |
| 15 | O Hearken Ye |
"Caroling, Caroling: The Alfred Burt Christmas Collection" was recording by the Millennium Choir and released in 2007.
STEPHEN CHATMAN
"The songs heard on A Chatman Christmas, composed over a twenty-year period (1988-2008), were inspired by Chatman’s keen interest in the rich tradition of Christmas choral music and his personal experiences over many Christmas-holiday seasons.
In contrast to some of Chatman’s other music, these songs reflect the simplicity and directness of much traditional Christmas music.
His compositional approach – for example, strophic settings of strophic poems, diatonic melodies and harmonies, and traditional vocal textures – is not only a conscious, deliberate homage to the Christmas choral tradition but also a significant contribution to this canon of choral repertoire."
Track Listing:
1. Love Came Down At Christmas (Stephen Chatman / Christmas Traditional) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 3:41
2. Little Child in a Manger (Stephen Chatman) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 2:12
3. A Cradle Song (Stephen Chatman) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 2:51
4. The Falcon Carol (Stephen Chatman) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 2:24
5. Make a Wish for Me on Christmas (Stephen Chatman) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 3:00
Carols of the Nativity:
6. As I Lay Upon a Night (Stephen Chatman) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 3:03
7. Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella (Stephen Chatman) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 1:47
8. The Huron Carol (Stephen Chatman) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 3:38
9. A Christmas Lullaby (Stephen Chatman) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 2:58
10. The First Noel (Stephen Chatman) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 3:25
11. Wassail (Stephen Chatman) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 2:01
12. Angels We Have Heard On High (Stephen Chatman) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 2:44
13. Voices in the Mist (Stephen Chatman) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 2:45
14. Lullay My Liking (Stephen Chatman / Christmas Traditional) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 2:48
15. Shepherds, Rejoice! (Stephen Chatman / Christmas Traditional) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 2:22
16. Sterling Bells (Stephen Chatman) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 2:23
17. Christmas Joy (Stephen Chatman) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 12:12
18. Jumalisten Joucko (Stephen Chatman) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 2:15
19. Lo in a Manger (Stephen Chatman) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 2:52
20. The Star-Song (Stephen Chatman) - Stephen Chatman / University of British Columbia Singers 3:06
BOB CHILCOTT
In 2012, Commotio, under Matthew Berry, released "The Rose in the Middle of Winter: Carols by Bob Chilcott." An excellent recording, the album includes many of the songs' premier recordings.
In 2017, Chilcott came back swinging with Choralis and the Cantus Primo Youth Choir with "In Winter's Arms: Seasonal Music by Bob Chilcott." It contained Chilcott's larger choral pieces "Wenceslas," "The Perfect Stranger," and "Gloria."
JACQUES COHEN
"Most of the pieces on this disc were originally written for Christmas concerts and services given by Lloyd’s Choir to perform at its Christmas Concerts conducted by Jacques Cohen in London. Only three of them (Gaudete, I Saw Three Ships and I Wonder as I Wander) are arrangements of pre-existing melodies.
The others are all original compositions. Most of the Christmas pieces are part of the Cohen's Carols anthology published by Norsk Musikforlag.
As you will hear, some of them are serious, others are more fun. The disc is supplemented by Two Remembrance Anthems, also published by Norsk, which were originally written for the annual remembrance ceremony at Lloyd’s in London and which have remained a regular feature of that event. Label: Willow Hayne Records."
CARLSON COOMAN
" Carson Cooman is many things -- musical-organist and Composer-in-Residence at the Memorial Church, Harvard University, writer, critic,
and consultant, concert organist, and above all a highly prolific
composer of music in a wide variety of genres, from orchestral to song.
His organ compositions come in many styles. They include liturgical models, to
substantial secular pieces such as: his organ symphonies, preludes and
fugues. Here are a fine set of fantasias on well-known seasonal tunes
and some new compositions, to celebrate Christmas in fine style (and
suitable for listening all year round.)
Erik Simmons is a superb
organist, making his twelfth Cooman organ album for Divine Art. He is
playing the wonderful 'Sun Organ' of St. Peter & Paul, Gorlitz,
recorded through the Hauptwerk system."
1. Fantasy song by Green Sleves
2. Illusion by "Machishi"
3. Small Paltita of Carol Poland
4. Bask Christmas Variations
5. A small fantasy song from "mororabi"
6. Carol Parafrase by Mortiff Wilhelm Weisman.
7. Voluntary by the singing and celebrating circles
8. Meditation song by "From the Root of Eai"
9. Rapsody of Carol in Germany
10. Sleeping and Sacred Infant
11. Rondino for Saint Joseph
12.Full of heart
13. Triptych by Carol in Solvia.
14. Three Pastrare I. Adagio Malt by Carol in Germany
15. Three Pastrares II by Carol in Germany
16. Three Pastrare III by Carol in Germany
17. Illusion by Son of God is Tomorrow
Eric Simmons (Organ)
Label: Divine Art
PAUL EDWARDS
Paul Edwards is an English organist and composer for the Anglican Church.In 2009, the Concord Singers put out an album of Christmas music by Paul Edwards on Lammas Records. Description as follows:
"I was both astonished and delighted when the Concord Singers approached me with the proposal that they should make a CD of my music. Now that this has come to pass, I feel also a great sense of privilege, for there are many composers whose music I admire much more than my own who have not been so fortunate as to have an entire recording devoted to their compositions.
My warmest thanks go to all members of Concord for the considerable amount of time and care they have put into this project.
"Bedford is home to another chamber choir beside the Concord Singers: this is Cantamus, in which I sing second bass and which I have occasionally had the pleasure of conducting. As will become apparent from the notes which follow, Cantamus has played a very important part in my choral music, and its founder (and conductor for at least the first twelve years), Paul Andrews (who is now an Anglican priest) was kind enough to act as producer during the Concord recording sessions.
The composition of music is, for me, first and last an expression of emotion. It does not matter particularly if the emotions felt by the listener (or the performer) are not the same as those which gave rise to the music's creation: the main thing which matters is that the music moves those who hear and those who sing or play, and expresses feelings which cannot be expressed otherwise. I believe that music without human or spiritual feeling has no point whatsoever. However, it has to be said that often the most moving music of all is that which is understated and restrained, rather than melodramatic, sprawling or histrionic."
I make no claims to originality or distinction in what follows. I have only ever written music when I have had an inner compulsion to do so, and (in Holst's immortal words) the not writing of it would have become a positive nuisance to me! All I can say is that I mean it and feel it with every fibre of myself, and if it says something to the listener and performer then the labours of composition will not have been in vain.
Paul Edwards
The Concord Singers (Director - Mary Bainbridge) were founded in 1979 by Mary, and have a large and varied repertory of sacred and secular works, both accompanied and unaccompanied. They have always sung unconducted, led from within by their director.
The group started as an octet composed of staff and students of Bedford College of Higher Education where Mary was a Lecturer in Singing and Pianoforte.
At first, the repertoire was a mixture of church music, madrigals, folk-songs and a variety of music arranged for them by Vic Bainbridge, who was Principal Lecturer in Music at the College.
As the years went by, however, encouraged by Mary's enthusiasm and expertise, the group's numbers increased, its repertoire widened to include many kinds of music from the last five centuries, and it has performed in a variety of venues in Bedfordshire and beyond.
Over the last two years, helped by the frequent presence of Paul Edwards and his infectious pleasure at hearing his music performed (often for the first time) Concord has developed a great liking and admiration for it.
This has culminated in the preparation for and the recording of this CD which covers a representative range of his accompanied and unaccompanied pieces for Christmas and Remembrance.
This has given the Singers an additional focus to their work; and it is hoped that the CD will enable a wider audience to share the results of the collaboration.
Alastair Walker"
- No small wonder
-
In Memoriam
-
Strong Son of God
-
Ad amicum absentem suspiria
-
My Lord, my life, my love
-
Vox dilecti
-
Carminis hic finem
-
The unutterable beauty
- What sweeter music
- All poor men and humble
- I sing of a maiden
- The wild swans at Coole
- The humble few
- Balulalow
- Turvey Tuba Tune organ
- In freezing winter night
- In excelsis gloria
- Love came down at Christmas
- Carol of the Adoration
- Pie Iesu Jeni Melia, soprano solo
- Tryste Noel
- Wise men three in starry night
- The stars of Bethlehem
- O love that wilt not let me go `Colkirk’
- Norfolk Requiem
WERNER FABRICIUS
La Protezione Della Musica Releases Album of Werner Fabricius Christmas Music
Label's description:
“A heartfelt and joyous contemplation of the sweet Infant Jesus lying in the manger...“ - this quote by the songwriter Johann Rist gives us the theme for the collection of Christmas music by Werner Fabricius. The conductor of the ensemble La Protezione della Musica, Jeroen Finke, put together a cross-section of Werner Fabricius’ music focusing on Christmas music. Besides of a number of more intimate song settings for the Christmas festivities and some dance movements, he focuses on the two large vocal-instrumental compositions in Festo Nativitatis Christi from Fabricius’ most important work.
WILLIAM FERRIS
"Snowcarols" is an album containing Christmas music by William Ferris recorded by the William Farris Chorale. It was issued on Cedille Records in 2007. The description is as follows: "Attractive choral works by an important American composer (and choral director). The title track, Snowcarols was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize when it was written in 1980.
The William Ferris Chorale is one of the finest mid-sized choirs in the nation. The group has performed at the Alderburgh Festival and the Spoleto Festival, and has given over 175 world, American, and Chicago premieres of important new literature."
Joanna Forbes L’Estrange
Following her first album on Signum Classics, Winter Light is an album of works (complete with some world premiere recordings and new arrangements) celebrating the season of Winter, as well as Christmas and Advent by composer Joanna Forbes L’Estrange.
The common themes linking all 18 tracks are of light triumphing over darkness, good overcoming evil and, ultimately, love conquering all. The first half of the album tells the Christmas story, and the second takes on a different tone; veering towards jazz and folk styles. Jo’s wish is to introduce choirs to some new Winter and Christmas-themed pieces which they might like to add to their own repertoire.
01 Advent ‘O’ Carol
02 Isaiah’s Prophecy
03 I Will Hold Him
04 O Virgo Virginum
05 Carol of the Crib
06 Winter Light
07 Jesus Christ is Born Today
08 In the Bleak Midwinter
09 Love Came Down
10 Song of the Shepherds
11 A Story of Light
12 A Present for the Future
13 The Three Wise Women
14 Hibernation (Winter Songs)
15 Reality Check (Winter Songs)
16 Presence (Winter Songs)
17 Green Christmas
18 Spring Will Come Again
19 Auld Lang Syne
Winter Light - Signum Records
JOHN GARDNER
"The astonishingly prolific John Gardner has yet to receive his due rewards, and still remains one of the most original and intriguing figures in English 20th-century music.
The Cantata for Christmas, scored for double choir and small orchestra, receives its world premiere recording here.
It opens similarly to Honegger's Christmas Cantata, written about 14 years earlier, and uses the German Advent chorale "Wie schon leuchtet." The texts used include "Ode on the birth of our Saviour" by Robert Herrick, which is followed by "Les anges dans nos campagnes" set in the original French.
The album also includes eight Christmas carols, some using the traditional melodies, like "Good King Wenceslas."
2014
by Stephen King and Mark Williams
City of London Choir (Artist),
1. Cantata for Christmas, Op. 82 |
2. Angels from the realms of Glory |
3. O little town of Bethlehem |
4. Sunny Bank Carol, Op. 141 |
5. Entry of the three Kings |
6. Good King Wenceslas, Op. 75/1 |
7. Tomorrow shall be my dancing day |
8. The Holly and the Ivy, Op. 58/2 |
9. We wish you a Merry Christmas |
10. Chamber Concerto for Organ, Op. 102 |
OLA GJEILO
I think everyone jumped for joy when the Choir of the Royal Holloway put out "Winter Songs" an album of purely Ola Gjeilo Christmas and winter-themed music. It was released on Decca in 2017.
PATRICK HAWES
The Nativity: Patrick Hawes, Voce Chamber ChoirI included this because although it has a larger work, the album also includes many smaller works and carols.
Label's description: One of Britain’s most popular contemporary composers, Patrick Hawes, has teamed up with the excellent Voce Chamber Choir of Connecticut to create an album of twenty brand-new Christmas choral works. Specially written for the choir, the first collection and album title, sets words by Pat- rick’s poet brother Andrew. The Nativity, for unaccompanied choir, moves through the Christmas nativity scene exploring the drama of this momentous moment in human history. For the second collection, Patrick has set Four Christmas Motets, the fragile ancient poetry giving rise to tender and heartfelt music for unaccompanied choir. The album goes on to explore the Christmas story through various texts, old and new, in works that are set to become extremely popular with choirs around the world.
Composer Patrick Hawes says “Christmas is my absolute favourite time of year and it has been a joy to set such inspiring and dramatic words to music. The variety of texts – from ancient to modern – are all so relevant for today because they speak of eternal truths and the mystery of the Christmas story. I am thrilled with how Voce and their director Mark Singleton have brought a freshness of approach and musical excellence to their interpretation of this exciting project.”
1. What Child is This
2. In Bethlehem
3. This Endernight
The Nativity
4. The Manger
5. The Infant
6. The Oxen
7. The Shepherd
8. The Star
9. the Magi
10. Joseph's Carol
11. Still Stil
12. Behold, the King
Four Christmas Motets
13. Virga Jesse
14. Puer Natus
15. Nesciens Mater
16. Gaudate Omnes
17. The Heart of Mary
18. Minstrels
19. Lullay My Liking
https://signumrecords.com/product/the-nativity/SIGCD752/
GUSTAV HOLST
Another recording that was released in 2020 is the Godwine Choir's Alpha & Omega: Gustave Holst Christmas Music claims to have all of Gustav Holst's Christmas music.
| 1 | Holst: Christmas Day (1910) |
| 2 | Holst: In the Bleak Midwinter (1904) |
| 3 | Holst: Four Old English Carols (1907): A Babe Is Born |
| 4 | Holst: Four Old English Carols (1907): Now Let Us Sing |
| 5 | Holst: Four Old English Carols (1907): Jesu, Thou the Virgin-Born |
| 6 | Holst: Four Old English Carols (1907): The Saviour of the World Is Born |
| 7 | Holst: March in C Major for Organ (1890-1891) |
| 8 | Holst: Two Carols (1907-1916): A Welcome Song |
| 9 | Holst: Two Carols (1907-1916): Terly Terlow |
| 10 | Holst: Allegretto Pastorale for Organ (1890-1891) |
| 11 | Holst: Lullay My Liking (1916) |
| 12 | Holst: Three Carols (1916-1917): I Saw Three Ships |
| 13 | Holst: Three Carols (1916-1917): Personent Hodie |
| 14 | Holst: Three Carols (1916-1917): Masters in This Hall |
| 15 | Holst: Postlude in C for Organ (1890-1891) |
| 16 | Holst: Of One That Is So Fair and Bright (1916) |
| 17 | Holst: This Have I Done for My True Love (1916) |
| 18 | Holst: Bring Us in Good Ale (1916) |
| 19 | Holst: Funeral March in G Minor (Organ) (1890-1891) |
| 20 | Holst: A Dream of Christmas (1917) |
| 21 | Holst: Wassail Song (Pub. 1931) |
| 22 | Holst: Scherzo (1933) for Organ (Arr. Richard Brasier) |
Label : Em Records
Also regarding Holst, see Walton below.
BRIAN KNOWLES
WILTOLD LUTOSLAWSKI
Witold Lutoslawski was a Polish composer and orchestra conductor who was one of the major European composers of the 20th Century. This 2005 Naxos recording by the Polish Radio Chorus and the Kracow Polish national Radio Symphony Orchestra has some Polish carol arrangements of Lutoslawski.
A very good recording by tenor Piotr Kusiewicz of Lutoslawski's carols, it was released on the DUX label in 2015.
SASHA JOHNSON MANNING
This new sequence of Christmas carols was written in 2007 by the
Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy and composer Sasha Johnson Manning, and
premiered in the same year. The Manchester Carols re-tell the Christmas
Story for the 21st Century. Label Naxos.
EDWARD NESBIT
The Choir of King’s College London follow up on their first recording of Edward Nesbit’s sacred choral music, named a Gramophone Editor’s Choice in 2022, with Nativity, a programme of Christmas music written by the composer over the last ten years (2024): a joyful celebration that places Nesbit at the heart of a thriving British choral scene.
At the heart – but slightly to one side too. In a crowded field, Nesbit’s voice is distinctive. Expect much more fast-paced music than is the norm, an abundance of musical references to the classical canon, and frequent touches of humour. With their young, zestful performances, Nesbit’s music benefits from his close collaboration with the choir and its director Joseph Fort.
STEPHEN PAULUS
Although you can get a good dose of the late Stephen Paulus' music on any Dale Warland Singers albums, Magnum Chorum made this recording in 2003 of the late Stephen Paulus' Christmas works.
Then of course the Dale Warland Singers recorded an album on the D'note Classics label exclusively of Paulus' carols. We think this recording is dated 2007.
SAMUEL PEGG
This 2016 four track EP contained four new Christmas carols by Samuel Pegg.It was released on Air Edel Records. More at: http://www.samuelpegg.com/work/the-house-of-christmas-christmas-carols-ep/.
Tracks
The House of Christmas
The Wise Men
A Child of the Snows
Balulalow
DANIEL PINKHAM
Although half of this recording by the Dale Warland Singers is of Britten's "Ceremony of Carols," we included it here because the other half is by Daniel Pickham. Hodie! : Choral Works of Benjamin Britten and Daniel Pickham was released in 2019 on Gothic.
It contains three Christmas songs by Pickham and a Magnificat and a Christmas Cantata which includes several well-known carols.
ANTHONY PITTS
I have included this recording because all of the arrangements in the recording as well as its companion book are arrangements by Antony Pitt.
| 1 | O come, o come, Emmanuel |
| 2 | Of the Father's heart begotten |
| 3 | O quickly come |
| 4 | Verbum Patris umanatur, O, O |
| 5 | Lo! He comes |
| 6 | The holly and the ivy |
| 7 | Lo, there a Rose is blooming |
| 8 | Alleluya – a new work |
| 9 | Ding! dong! merrily on high |
| 10 | While shepherds watched |
| 11 | The Song of Angels |
| 12 | Hark! the herald angels sing |
| 13 | Silent night |
| 14 | Away in a manger |
| 15 | Baby Jesus, hush! now sleep |
| 16 | O little town of Bethlehem |
| 17 | Jesu, the very thought is sweet |
| 18 | O come, all ye faithful |
| 19 | Personent hodie |
| 20 | In dulci jubilo |
| 21 | Good King Wenceslas |
| 22 | We three kings of Orient are |
| 23 | I saw three ships come sailing in |
| 24 | Hail to the Lord's Anointed
|
ELIZABETH POSTON
Elizabet Poston: Carols and Anthems - St Albans Cathedral Girls Choir, Lay Clerks of St Albans Cathedral, O. Morrell, Winpenny
Elizabeth Poston’s long and distinguished career included significant work for the BBC during the Second World War, where she performed as a respected pianist and later composed scores for numerous radio and television productions.
Describing herself as ‘a littlemonger’ who never wanted to write big pieces, Poston’s supreme talent for composing vocal and choral miniatures is fully represented in this recording, the first to be dedicated entirely to her work.
Poston’s music reveals timeless melodic charm, a great sensitivity of word setting and her profound appreciation of ancient folk-song traditions.
DANIEL POWERS
In 1993, the newly formed Terre Haute Children's Choir was invited
to perform at the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra's annual Christmas
concert.
Finding that quality arrangements for children's choir and
orchestra were in short supply, they asked Daniel Powers, a Terre Haute
resident and award-winning composer, to arrange a number of Christmas
songs for them.
Over the following several years, Powers continued to
add new arrangements for children's choir, as well as mixed choir and
solo voice, with orchestra. His arrangements have received hundreds of
performances across the world and have been recorded by diverse groups
including the Kiev Philharmonic, Cincinnati Boy Choir, Michigan State
University Children's Choir, and solo artists.
This album collects
eleven of Powers' arrangements of traditional Christmas songs for solo
voice and piano, together with four new songs, two of which were written
especially for this recording.
American/British mezzo-soprano Sarah
Stone followed her calling in the world of classical singing, after a
successful career as a professional soccer player and sports commentator
for Brazilian television. She began musical studies in São Paulo,
Brazil, where she studied piano with international concert pianist Yara
Amaral. After beginning her Bachelor of Music as a pianist she was
converted to singing after being involved in a performance of
Mendelssohn's Elijah.
A recent graduate of the Indiana University Jacobs
School of Music with a Masters of Music in Voice Performance, she
studied with Patricia Wise and Patricia Stiles. Ms. Stone was a fellow
with the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Tanglewood Music Center in 2005.
Martha Krasnican is the director of the accompanying program at Indiana
State University and principal keyboardist with the Terre Haute Symphony
Orchestra. She graduated with distinction from the Eastman School of
Music, where she studied with Brooks Smith, Barry Snyder, and Frank
Glazer. She has worked with major performers across North America and
Europe, including engagements with the Western Horn Symposium and
several World Saxophone Congresses.
She has performed as soloist in the
Piano Concerto by Vincent Persichetti under the direction of the
composer. She has also performed as a soloist with the Terre Haute
Symphony Orchestra, premiering two piano concertos written for her by
her husband, Daniel Powers.
| 1 | Rejoice and Be Merry |
| 2 | The Holly and the Ivy |
| 3 | I Sing of a Maiden |
| 4 | Un Flambeau, Jeanette, Isabelle |
| 5 | What Child Is This |
| 6 | Fum, Fum, Fum |
| 7 | Wexford Carol |
| 8 | Il Est NÉ, Le Divin Enfant |
| 9 | The Angel's Song |
| 10 | Kling, Glöckchen |
| 11 | Quittez, Pasteurs |
| 12 | El Desembre Congelat |
| 13 | Sussex Carol |
| 14 | The Christmas Silence |
| 15 | Rise, Hope of the Ages
|
For John Rutter, I have chosen two albums, one because it was recently remastered, and we posted about it previously. In a recent Facebook post, Rutter says the Cambridge Singers were "at the top of their game" at the time of "Christmas Night: Carols of the Nativity." This 1985 has recently been remastered (2020) by Collegium:
The theme of this album is the birth of Christ, reflected in the words and music of twenty-two carols spanning more than six centuries. Some of these carols have long been widely known and loved; others have become so thanks to the annual Christmas Eve Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at Kings College, Cambridge; a few are newly written. But all of them focus on the central event of the Christmas story the birth at Bethlehem and on the characters in that story: the angels, the shepherds, the wise men, and the mother with her child. John Rutter writes: This has always been my favorite among the Christmas albums I have devised and conducted, but digital sound restoration techniques have made huge advances in the years since it was recorded and it was time to give it a spring-clean. In remastering it, it has been possible to bring the sound of the choir and the orchestra to life, and I have been able to enjoy it anew. The Cambridge Singers in 1985 were at the top of their game, and the choir list includes at least two singers who are now internationally renowned as soloists. We hope you will enjoy this classic recording in its newly restored form.
I wanted to recommend an album that was not from the Cambridge Singers, and who can go wrong with Polyphony, Stephen Layton, and John Rutter. This 2000 recording on Hyperion has Rutter arrangments and composition performed by one of the world's best choirs.
BEN PARRY
We have included the liner notes here:
"Regent Records is delighted to release this first disc entirely devoted to the compositions of Ben Parry. There is new choral music for the entire Christmas season from Advent to Epiphany. In addition to settings and arrangements of traditional texts there are several new carols with original words by Garth Bardsley.
Ben Parry is one of the UK's most distinguished and versatile musicians. He studied at Cambridge, where he was a member of King's College Choir.
In the mid-1980s he joined The Swingle Singers as a singer, arranger and music director, touring globally and performing with some of the world's greatest artists.
He has subsequently been Director of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra Chorus, Director of Choral Music at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and conductor of Haddon House Opera.
He co-founded the Dunedin Consort, was Director of Music at St Paul's School, London, then Director of the Junior Academy at the Royal Academy of Music. He is currently Artistic Director of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain and Assistant Director of Music at King's College, Cambridge.
Ben has an extensive catalogue of compositions and arrangements including the popular Faber Carol Book, and music published by Peters Edition and OUP. He has enjoyed commissions from, among others, the BBC Singers, St John's College, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ely, Norwich, Sheffield, and Worcester Cathedrals.
His compositions have been performed at the BBC Proms and on the TV and radio.
His music is imaginative, colourful, and impeccably crafted. He was made an Honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in 2013 for his services to the music industry.
Over the last few years, The Chapel Choir of Selwyn College, Cambridge, and its director Sarah MacDonald, have built an unequalled reputation in championing contemporary sacred choral music from young emerging composers, with debut discs of works from Philip Cooke, Ben Ponniah, Mark Gotham, Iain Quinn, and John Hosking.
There have also been discs from more established composers in the field of church music, including Paul Spicer, Gary Higginson, and Alan Bullard. Future releases include discs of music by Stuart Turnbull and Paul Ayres."
- Three Angels o 2:46
- Veni Emmanuel 2:50
- Gabriel’s News‡o 5:57
- Magnificat (from The Solihull Service)* 6:03
- Adam lay ybounden 1:39
- Il est né, le divin enfant 2:46
- There is no rose 3:22
- I sing of a maiden* 7:24
- Five carols for SATB and piano
- The Linden Tree Carol – German traditional 2:31
- O, can you not hear? – English traditional (Waly, waly) 1:47
- Tàladh Chrìosta – Gaelic traditional (Lullaby) 2:38
- The Wexford Carol – Irish traditional 3:12
- When Christ was born 2:00
- Venite, Adoremus 3:27
- Quem pastores laudavere 3:41
- The Aldeburgh Carol 4:13
- Christ’s Nativity* 3:19
- Bright Star 5:00
- Magi o‡† 8:19
Leo Sowerby
Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Leo Sowerby was a mid-20th century American composer with a lot of Christmas output with arrangements / compositions of some classic carols like "A Great and Mighty Wonder," "Good King Wenceslas," "Away in a Manger," and "Love Came Down at Christmas."
This collection was relesed with assistance of the Leo Sowerby Foundation and published via Albany Records. The earliest composition is from 1913, and Sowerby seems to pick up his carol composing in the 1950s and 60s. This recording was released in 1995 and was recorded by the ConVivium ensemble.
1. A Great and Mighty Wonder
2. Come ye, and Let Us Go Up
3. A Prayer for Christmas
4. Little Jesus, Sweetly Sleep
5. Love Cames down at Christmas
6. Manger Carol
7. Lovely Infant
8. There comes a Ship A'Sailing
9. A Carol in Praise of the Holly and the Ivy
10.Good King Wenceslas
11. Away in a Manger
12. Can you count the stars?
13. Cradle Hymn
14. The Snow Lay on the Ground
15. All my heart this night rejoices
16. A New Year's Carol
17. Now There Lightens upon Us
18. Jesu, Bright and Morning Star
JOHN TAVANER
I could not find a description of this recording. I am still looking. Not necessarily a collection of Christmas oriented music, but close.
Michael John Trotta
In 2016, the New York Repertory Singers released "In the Bleak Midwinter: Michael John Trotta" which contained a good amount of Christmas music. The description is as follows:
"Following the success of his previous two albums, this album includes new recordings of Break of Day, In the Bleak Midwinter, and This Present Moment for choir and orchestra. Also included are unaccompanied works in the style of "I Shall See" including Veni, Veni, Emmanuel and Adam Lay YBounden, as well as a moving new setting the "Silent Night" text (All is Calm). His music is praised as "elegant, singable music with a strong spiritual heft" making him "one of the most exciting and prominent composers of choral music." 1. Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind 2. This Present Moment
3. Adam Lay YBounden 4. In the Bleak Midwinter 5. Ave Maria
6. Ad Te Clamamus 7.Totus Tuus 8. Break of Day 9. Veni, Veni, Emmanuel 10. All is Calm (Silent Night)."
I thought I saw the composer post on his Facebook page an earlier recording of his Christmas music, or this must be it. I'll have to look into it.
JOHN TURNER
"For over fifty years, Britain;s foremost recorder player, John
Turner, has composed a carol and sent the score as his Christmas Card.
Until now just a personal gift to his friends, John was persuaded to
record a selection, which has led to this beautiful album.
Presented by
the chamber choir Intimate Voices (which also performs as Voces Intimae)
and featuring sopranos Sasha Johnson Manning, Eleanor Gregory and
Philippa Hyde in solo and duet pieces, with obbligato harp and oboe in
some, this is a lovely mixed program of Nativity carols, composed very
much in traditional style, in new settings of ancient texts."
Label: Divine Art
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Although there are several recordings out there of Ralph Vaughn Williams larger Christmas works (Hodie/Fantasia on Christmas Carols), this recording focused on carols he arranged. It was recorded by the Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital Chelsea directed by William Vann and released on Albion Records (2018). The description is as follows:
"Vaughan Williams was (with Cecil Sharp) one of the foremost collectors
of folk songs during the early 1900s.
He collected many traditional
Christmas carols as well. This collection is of carols as he arranged
them, thus presenting his view of Christmas in the first half of the
20th century. He also wrote four completely new carols for the Oxford
Book of Carols, which are also all included here. This release includes
world première recordings of two sets of carols: 'Two Carols' from 1945
and Nine Carols for Male Voices, commissioned by the British Council in
1941 for performance by and for British troops serving in Iceland.
They
are performed by the outstanding Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital
Chelsea (of which all members are professional musicians) under the
directorship of William Vann."
"This recording focusses on arrangements made by Vaughan Williams for The Oxford Book of Carols (1928), coupled with two later carols published by OUP. Many of the tunes are far from well-known and deserve a new audience. We think 10 of the 22 tracks are first recordings, but reserve the right to have overlooked one or two amidst the vast but very mixed heritage of recorded carols.
The preface to The Oxford Book of Carols tells us that: 'Variety in the method of singing is even more important than with hymns, and the verses should never be sung straight through all in the same way.'
In this spirit the choir's director, William Vann, has prepared the carols for recording with a mixture of accompanied, unaccompanied and solo verses.
Few of these carols are likely to have been undertaken by a congregation; this recording by a choir of distinguished professional singers presents the carols at their best, supported by the Henry Willis organ of St Jude-on-the-Hill, Hampstead, in half of the carols."
Baritone Derek Welton recorded "On Christmas Day: Folk-Carols and Folk-Songs arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams. " This was released by Albion Records in 2011. The description is as follows:"Vaughan Williams had begun collecting folk-songs and carols in 1903.
Many folk-songs and carols were collected in the early 1900s by Vaughan
Williams and Ella Mary Leather who visited local gypsies in
Herefordshire where together they rescued traditional songs that may
well have disappeared forever.
These songs and carols remind us of our
childhood and the power and beauty of songs sung by those generations
long before our own. Australian baritone Derek Welton is a very much
sought-after concert artist who has performed at the Barbican, Cadogan
Hall, Royal Albert Hall, The Sage Gateshead, Bridgewater Hall, Symphony
Hall, Birmingham and the Wigmore.
Iain Burnside once again accompanies
for Albion Records, who enjoys a unique reputation as pianist and
broadcaster."
01. "Eight Traditional English Carols : And All in the Morning"
02. "Eight Traditional English Carols : On Christmas Night"
03. "Eight Traditional English Carols : The Twelve Apostles"
04. "Eight Traditional English Carols : Down in Yon Forest"
05. "Eight Traditional English Carols : May Day Carol"
06. "Eight Traditional English Carols : The Truth Sent from Above"
07. "Eight Traditional English Carols : The Birth of the Saviour"
08. "Eight Traditional English Carols : Wassail Song"
09. "Six English Folk-Songs : Robin Hood and the Pedlar"
10. "Six English Folk-Songs : The Ploughman"
11. "Six English Folk-Songs : One Man, Two Men"
12. "Six English Folk-Songs : The Brewer"
13. "Six English Folk-Songs : Rolling in the Dew"
14. "Six English Folk-Songs : King William"
15. "Twelve Traditional Carols from Herefordshire : The Holy Well"
16. "Twelve Traditional Carols from Herefordshire : The Holy Well"
17. "Twelve Traditional Carols from Herefordshire : Christmas Now Is Drawing Near At Hand"
18. "Twelve Traditional Carols from Herefordshire : Joseph and Mary"
19. "Twelve Traditional Carols from Herefordshire : The Angel Gabriel"
20. "Twelve Traditional Carols from Herefordshire : God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen"
21. "Twelve Traditional Carols from Herefordshire : New Year's Carol"
22. "Twelve Traditional Carols from Herefordshire : On Christmas Day"
23. "Twelve Traditional Carols from Herefordshire : Dives and Lazarus"
24. "Twelve Traditional Carols from Herefordshire : The Miraculous Harvest"
25. "Twelve Traditional Carols from Herefordshire : The Saviour's Love"
26. "Twelve Traditional Carols from Herefordshire : The Seven Virgins" 
WILLIAM WALTON
This recording by Christ Church Cathedral Choir on Nimbus Records, has a great selection of Christmas carols by Gustav Holst and William Walton.
1 In The Bleak Mid-Winter
2 All This Time
3 King Herod And The Cock
4 Masters In This Hall
5 Lullay, My Liking
6 Make We Joy Now In This Fest
7 Personent Hodie
8 This Have I Done For My True Love
9 What Cheer?
10 Bring Us In Good Ale
11 Wassail Song
12 Antiphon
13 The Evening-Watch
14 Nunc Dimittis
15 Jubilate Deo
There are several versions of the cover of this album by the Allegri Singers, "A Peter Warlock Christmas." The earliest we can date this is 1998.
Honorable Mentions
O magnum mysterium
6. Carol: O magnum mysterium (treble solo)
7. Carol: Haylle, comly and clent
8. Sonata I: Puer Natus
9. Carol: O magnum mysterium (treble and alto)
10. Carol: Alleluia, pro Virgine Maria
11. Sonata II: Lux fulgebit
12. Carol: The fader of heven
13. Carol: O magnum mysterium (full choir)
14. Organ Fantasia on "O magnum myserium"
I mention Sir Peter Maxwell Davis here, not because there is a Christmas recording, but there could be.
His larger work, Magnum Mysterium has several carols in it including the title piece, "Haylle, comly and clene," "Alleluia pro Virgine Maria," and "The fader of Heven." The above recording is on Delphian and is by the Choir of St. Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh. It is conducted by Matthew Owens.
I can see a future recording of Christmas and winter themes to include "A Dream of Snow Songs for Children," "House in Winter," "One star, at last" (Choir of King's College, Cambridge's Festival of Nine Lessons and Carol's commission), "Solstice of Light," and "A Calendar of Kings" (commissioned by Anonymous 4).
Others that I'd hope to see Christmas collections from are René Clausen and Mack Wilberg.
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